Ethical Capital Partners (ECP) acquired Aylo, a leading technology and media company in the adult online entertainment industry, one year ago. This article reviews ECP’s commitment to ethical practices and Aylo’s progress in trust and safety initiatives since the acquisition.
ECP’s investment philosophy centers on industries facing evolving public perception and regulatory scrutiny. Their acquisition of Aylo reflects a belief in the potential for positive change within the adult entertainment sector. ECP aims to enhance ethical standards through technology investments and proactive collaboration.
Initially, ECP recognized Aylo’s commitment to trust and safety, contrasting with common industry perceptions. Aylo’s adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, along with its cooperation with law enforcement, solidified ECP’s confidence in the company. ECP prioritized correcting public misperceptions and further strengthening Aylo’s trust and safety procedures.
Over the past year, ECP and Aylo engaged with law enforcement, advocacy groups, and stakeholders. A significant milestone was Aylo’s cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York. A 30-month review concluded that Aylo and its affiliates had not violated federal laws regarding sex trafficking or the sexual exploitation of minors. This outcome validated Aylo’s existing Trust and Safety program and refuted circulating misinformation.
ECP acknowledges the ongoing challenges and remains dedicated to supporting Aylo in addressing misconceptions. They recognize the need for industry-wide improvement and support Aylo’s collaboration with sex workers, content creators, and relevant organizations. Combating stigmatization within the industry is a key focus, achieved through advocacy, investment in defense, and support for content creators.
ECP emphasizes transparency and open dialogue with critics and stakeholders. They are committed to continuous improvement and adapting their approach based on feedback and learned experiences. Their ultimate goal is to ensure a safe internet experience for all.
In the first year, ECP leveraged its team’s expertise in law enforcement, legal counsel, public engagement, and finance, combining it with Aylo’s advanced safety technologies. This collaborative approach fostered engagement with regulators, NGOs, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and content creators to improve online safety and empower informed choices for adult users and creators.
Aylo’s partnership with ECP has facilitated advancements in safe and legal sex-positive technology, connecting adult users with creators and content through trustworthy platforms. Aylo champions transparency and open communication to foster a safer internet. Their core values of integrity, innovation, and creating a safer online environment guide their actions.
Aylo has implemented robust measures to protect its platforms from abuse, continuously improving its Trust and Safety policies. Key initiatives include:
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Transparency Reports: Bi-annual reports detailing Trust and Safety initiatives, technologies, moderation practices, and responses to harmful content.
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Pornhub Co-Performer Verification Updates: Mandatory ID validation and digital consent forms for all performers in new content, setting a new industry standard.
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Parental Controls: All Aylo sites are RTA (Restricted to Adults) compliant and offer parental control tools to restrict minor access.
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Device-Based Age Verification: Advocacy for device-level age verification as a comprehensive solution for protecting minors online.
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Trusted Flagger Program: Nearly 60 non-profit organizations have direct access to Aylo’s moderation team to report potential violations.
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Deterrence Program: Displaying deterrence messages for searches related to illegal or underage content, offering support resources.
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CSAM Reporting: Voluntary reporting of potential child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
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Industry Standards: Collaborating with stakeholders to develop leading industry standards for studios, including a pilot project with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
Aylo actively collaborates with organizations like Pineapple Support, Stop NCII, and Crime Stoppers International. They have expanded engagement efforts, reaching out to representatives from various industries and elected officials. Future plans include strengthening existing partnerships, promoting sex worker rights and safety, and increasing awareness of Trust and Safety protocols. Aylo’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and user safety continues to shape the future of the adult entertainment industry under ECP’s guidance.
